Ammons says that, with all the advantages and opportunities afforded by technological advances, there is a financial downside. “Technology is evolving so quickly, it requires a huge investment to make sure we have updates, because the old versions are not supported by the vendors who sell these products. Being able to leverage technology across the university is so important now in order to attract young people, and it’s important to have environments where they feel comfort and at home.”

Overall, Ammons says, FAMU and other HBCUs have funding challenges unequaled in past years. “First (we need) to be able to attract high-quality faculty who embrace the mission of an institution and have resources to recruit high-achieving students b e c a u s e competition with majori ty institutions now is just so tough (as competing ) schools have focused in on the best and brightest African-American students. And, next, we need to have a critical mass of staff to provide support services, so that our students have an overall good experience on our campus. We’re not at a point yet where we can have staff doing only one thing; our staff members have responsibility across the spectrum, which may sometimes impact a student’s overall experience on the campus.”

As for the persistent argument that HBCUs have lost their relevance, Ammons says “these institutions make up only 3 percent of total colleges and universities, but produce an overwhelming percentage of African Americans who go on to earn their bachelor’s and terminal degrees. When you look at the professions that are critical to the nation’s survival HBCUs are producing those graduates — the doctors, lawyers, scientists and educators. I believe these institutions are able to accomplish this because HBCUs nurture the self-confidence of its students and provide opportunities for creative leadership.”

Beverly Hogan, Tougaloo College

Two years ago, the Tougaloo community was stunned to learn that two of its students had been shot, execution-style, in their offcampus Jackson, Miss., apartment. The motive appeared to be robbery. A Jaguar belonging to one of the students had been stolen. A few months later, the body of a young woman, a Jackson State University student, was found in a wooded area just outside the Tougaloo campus. These incidents, although they did not occur on campus grounds, nevertheless brought the specter of violence to the 900-student liberal arts institution known for its small classes, Southern hospitality and peaceful atmosphere. These disturbing occurrences came at a time the college was enjoying an influx of grant funding including a Department of Ju s t i ce grant of $698,000 for prog r a m s aimed at preventing viol e n c e against women.